Overnight Briefing & General Reality Check

Cinco de Mayo:

Believe it or not, Cinco de Mayo is a bigger holiday in the U-S than it is in Mexico.
   Cinco de Mayo has nothing to do with Mexico's Independence Day --which is actually September 16. May fifth actually marks the victory of Mexican forces over the French at the Battle of the Puebla, back in 1862 while we were messing around in the Civil War.
   But even though the Mexicans gave a beat-down to the French, the Frenchies were on the way to Mexico City and eventually conquered it, putting Emperor Maximillian on the throne in 1863. The Mexicans then turned around and although it took them several years, defeated the French and kicked them out of Mexico, executing Emperor Maximillian in 1867.

So why the big hubbub over Cinco de Mayo?:

In the 1980s, Mexican beer distributors, looking for a way to publicize their brews, decided to make the holiday an event and were joined by Latino groups in the U-S who were also eager to have a holiday of "their own" like St Patrick's Day for the Irish. USA Today says that drive helped make Corona the #1 imported beer, with the holiday responsible for up to 200 million bottles of Corona alone (and that's just my brother-in-law)!
   Nowadays the holiday has evolved into a celebration of Mexican food and culture in many cities. And now you know the whole story, so nachos grande for everybody!

Getting up to speed:

Once again, the world's oldest person has died.
   KAMA CHINEN of Okinawa, Japan, passed a week before her 115th birthday. Born in 1895, Chinen lived through three different centuries. As a Japanese centenarian, she was in good company: At last count, the country had over 40-thousand people who are more than 100 years old. The title of world's oldest person now belongs to 114-year-old EUGENIE BLANCHARD of France.
   Editor's note: Every time the world's oldest person dies, it's gotta be tough on the guy who has to break the news to the next one in line: "Guess what, dude: You're next!" (Maiman)

Sucking the life out of the wire services:

COREY HAIM may have passed at a young age, but it wasn't due to his alleged drug problems. TMZ.com reports the LA County Coroner discovered the real cause of death was a condition called "diffuse alveolar damage" --otherwise known as respiratory distress. Apparently he also had a muscle in his heart that thickened which made it difficult for blood to flow through his ticker. (Lee)

Did you know WILLIAM SHATNER might be one of the richest men in Hollywood? MSNBC.com's "The Scoop" gossip column reports the former "Star Trek" stud won the endorsement lottery when he signed on to do commercials for Priceline.com. The travel website took off like wildfire and, thanks to stock options, he's rumored to be worth over $200-million-dollars! (Lee)

The Reel Deal:

Marvel Comics, which approves the casting of their franchise like "Iron Man" and "Captain America," has announced that HUGO WEAVING will play the villain --the Red Skull-- in "Captain America."
   You probably know Hugo as KEANU REEVES' antagonist, "Agent Smith," in the "Matrix" trilogy. Filming begins next month for the movie, which is scheduled to be in theatres next July.

Look what I found:

Think that double latte you drink everyday is expensive? A gourmet coffee shop in New York City might have it beat.
   Fox News says Cafe Grumpy (website) is charging 12-bucks for a cup of joe! The company says their coffee costs more because they roast their own beans. And, they use higher-end beans to start with. Another difference, according to the chain, is that they view coffee-making as an art --not just food service. (Still)